Ernie Sims | Linebacker

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Cardinals released ILB Ernie Sims.

Sims was signed two months ago in the wake of Daryl Washington's yearlong suspension. Predictably, he failed to climb the depth chart and wasn't a threat to crack the roster while playing behind Kevin Minter, Larry Foote, Lorenzo Alexander and Kenny Demens. Sims is only 29 years old, but has been a liability against both the pass and run for several seasons. He'll struggle to find work. Thu, Aug 7, 2014 11:57:00 AM

Cardinals signed ILB Ernie Sims to a one-year, $855,000 contract.

Sims will provide depth at inside linebacker after the Cardinals lost Daryl Washington to a yearlong suspension last week. Arizona will be in trouble if Sims is forced to play significant snaps. He was abused in a dozen 2013 games for Dallas. The Cardinals are severely lacking depth at the position. Tue, Jun 3, 2014 01:47:00 PM

Coach Bruce Arians expressed a desire to add an inside linebacker to the mix. Sims started 12 games for the Cowboys over the past two seasons but has received extremely poor marks for his run defense and cover skills from Pro Football Focus. The former No. 9 overall pick is best suited for a 4-3. Fri, May 30, 2014 08:46:00 AM

Cowboys LB Ernie Sims is not considered a lock to make the final roster.

Sims signed a minimum deal with no signing bonus or guarantees, so he'll have to prove his worth in training camp. The former No. 9 overall pick was a liability when asked to fill in on Dallas' decimated linebacker corps last year. Sims should fare better as new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin moves the unit to a 4-3. Tue, May 7, 2013 08:27:00 AM

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Sims will provide depth at inside linebacker after the Cardinals lost Daryl Washington to a yearlong suspension last week. Arizona will be in trouble if Sims is forced to play significant snaps. He was abused in a dozen 2013 games for Dallas. The Cardinals are severely lacking depth at the position.

Coach Bruce Arians expressed a desire to add an inside linebacker to the mix. Sims started 12 games for the Cowboys over the past two seasons but has received extremely poor marks for his run defense and cover skills from Pro Football Focus. The former No. 9 overall pick is best suited for a 4-3.

Cowboys LB Ernie Sims is not considered a lock to make the final roster.

Sims signed a minimum deal with no signing bonus or guarantees, so he'll have to prove his worth in training camp. The former No. 9 overall pick was a liability when asked to fill in on Dallas' decimated linebacker corps last year. Sims should fare better as new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin moves the unit to a 4-3.

28-year-old Sims was signed off the street last season and racked up 44 tackles across ten appearances, starting six games. His performance was generally poor on the field, but the Cowboys hope 5-foot-11, 230-pound Sims will be more effective in Monte Kiffin's new 4-3 defense. He'll compete for a backup job.

The Dallas Morning News said it was "likely" that Sims would be back, but the Cowboys are expected to go younger. He shouldn't have much of a market, so the Cowboys will likely keep Sims' phone number handy for future purposes.

Sims will come cheap, and reporter David Moore believes he could compete for a starting job with the Cowboys' switch to a 4-3 defense shifting DeMarcus Ware to end. Even if he doesn't start, Sims represents highly-experienced veteran depth. It's worth noting that Sims struggled filling in for an injured Sean Lee and Bruce Carter last season.

It's a bit of a relief for Dallas, which otherwise would have had to trot out Alex Albright alongside Dan Connor as starting inside linebackers. Either way, the seams and underneath portions of the Cowboys' defense are vulnerable entering Sunday's matchup with Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles.

Cowboys ILB Ernie Sims was forced from Dallas' Week 15 game against the Steelers with a concussion.

It's a hard-knock life for Cowboys inside 'backers. Sims was elevated to the starting lineup after Sean Lee and Bruce Carter suffered season-ending injuries. The Cowboys are down to a trio of replacement-level talents opposite Dan Connor.

Ernie Sims will be the Cowboys' starting inside linebacker in Week 9 with Dan Connor (stingers) out this week.

The Cowboys just signed Sims a week ago, and they were pleased with his performance off the bench in last week's loss to the Giants. Sims has quickly passed Orie Lemon and Alex Albright on the depth chart, and DC Rob Ryan trusts him to play in the nickel package already. He's worth a desperation look in IDP leagues.

Sean Lee (turf toe) is done for the year, leaving the Cowboys thin at linebacker. Dan Connor and Bruce Carter will start on the inside, with Orie Lemon backing them up. Sims, who has been on the street since the end of last season, has spent most of his career as a 4-3 outside 'backer. Rob Ryan runs a 3-4 scheme in Dallas.

Colts LB Ernie Sims is in danger of missing an "extended period" with a sprained knee.

It sounds like a sprained MCL, though that hasn't been confirmed and probably won't be. In Week 1, the Colts started Kavell Conner and Pat Angerer at the outside linebacker spots. Sims backs up Conner and plays on special teams.

Colts LB Ernie Sims has returned from his appendectomy and is competing for a nickel linebacker job.

Sims has a good chance at a roster spot, but he won't overtake weak-side 'backer Kavell Conner before Week 1. Sims racked up eight tackles in the Colts' third preseason game. He'll be worth an IDP look if Conner goes down this year.

Depth Charts

Lovelocke (6'5/248) was a four-year starter for the PVAMU Panthers, completing 57.6 percent of his senior-year passes with a 16:9 TD-to-INT ratio and ten additional rushing scores. A massive quarterback with 10 1/2-inch hands and 34 1/4-inch arms, Lovelocke has ideal tight end dimensions and could get a look there after running 4.81/4.84 at his Pro Day with a 31-inch vertical and 9-foot-5 broad jump. Lovelocke isn't going to make it as a quarterback.

The Chiefs used a 2012 sixth-round pick on Gray. He appeared in 35 games the past three seasons, mainly on special teams. He's rushed for 99 career yards and one touchdown on 24 carries as the No. 3 back. Gray suffered a torn ACL in November and is now healthy enough where the Chiefs could cut him.

Copeland (5-foot-11 1/8, 271) went to LSU as a four-star defensive tackle, but converted to fullback as a true freshman and became a 22-game starter. What Copeland lacks in versatility -- he's no more than a short-yardage runner and caught seven career passes at LSU -- he makes up for with aggressive, relentless lead blocking. An extremely physical player, Copeland consistently removed linebackers from plays to clear alleys for Jeremy Hill. Dallas isn't a great landing spot for Copeland, however, due to OC Scott Linehan's pass-happy leanings.

Cardinals undrafted WR Damond Powell was shot on Friday, but did not suffer life-threatening injuries.

The incident happened in Powell's hometown of Toledo, Ohio. According to FOX10TV.com, Powell was sitting in his driveway with friends when he was shot in the face. Standing in at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, Powell is a slot prospect out of Iowa. It's unclear if he'll be ready for training camp this week.